Lab results explained
Low ferritin: what your result means
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Short answer: Ferritin shows how much iron your body has stored. A result below the lab range (about 24 ng/mL for men and 11 ng/mL for women on this checker) usually means low iron stores, even if your haemoglobin is still normal. Common causes are heavy periods, pregnancy, low iron intake and blood loss from the gut.
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Typical adult range
Your lab may print a slightly different range. Use the one on your report when there is one.
| Test | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Ferritin | 24–336 ng/mL | 11–307 ng/mL |
| Serum iron | 65–175 µg/dL11.6–31.3 µmol/L | 50–170 µg/dL8.95–30.4 µmol/L |
| Transferrin saturation | 20–50 % | |
| Hemoglobin | 13.5–17.5 g/dL135–175 g/L8.38–10.9 mmol/L | 12–15.5 g/dL120–155 g/L7.45–9.62 mmol/L |
What ferritin measures
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and the small amount in your blood reflects your total iron stores. It is the most useful single test for iron deficiency. Ferritin is reported in ng/mL, which is the same number as µg/L. Iron stores usually run low before anaemia develops, so ferritin can drop while haemoglobin is still normal. Some doctors look more closely at values below about 30 ng/mL, especially with symptoms. Serum iron and transferrin saturation (TSAT) add detail. A TSAT below 20% also suggests low iron.
Common causes of low ferritin
Low ferritin always has a reason, and finding it matters as much as replacing the iron. In men and in women after menopause, doctors usually look for slow blood loss from the stomach or bowel, because this can be a sign of ulcers or, less often, bowel cancer. In younger women, periods and pregnancy are the most common reasons, often together with a diet low in iron.
- Heavy or long periods
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Low iron intake, including some vegetarian diets
- Bleeding from the gut, such as ulcers, piles or polyps
- Coeliac disease or stomach surgery affecting absorption
- Worm infections, frequent blood donation or regular painkiller use
Symptoms and the pattern with haemoglobin
Low iron stores can cause tiredness, low energy, breathlessness on stairs, headaches, hair shedding, brittle nails, restless legs and cravings for ice or clay. When stores run out, haemoglobin falls and red cells become small and pale, with a low MCV. This is iron deficiency anaemia. One catch is that ferritin rises with inflammation, infection, liver disease and obesity. A normal ferritin can therefore hide low iron in someone who is unwell, which is why TSAT and CRP are sometimes checked as well.
What usually happens next
Your doctor will ask about periods, diet, bowel habits, blood in stool and medicines, and look at your full blood count. Treatment is usually iron tablets, and your doctor may suggest the type, dose and how long to take them, as too much iron can be harmful. Iron through a drip is sometimes used if tablets do not work or are not tolerated. Tests for the cause, such as a stool test, coeliac blood test or endoscopy, may be advised depending on your age and symptoms.
When to get help the same day
Get same-day medical care if you have black, tarry or bloody stools, are vomiting blood, feel faint, or are breathless at rest. A haemoglobin below 7 g/dL also needs same-day care. Call your local emergency number for heavy bleeding, chest pain or collapse.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What do you think is causing my low ferritin?
- Do I need tests to look for blood loss from my gut?
- Which iron treatment is right for me, and for how long?
- Could inflammation be affecting my ferritin result?
- When should my ferritin and haemoglobin be checked again?
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Frequently asked questions
Can ferritin be low with normal haemoglobin?
Yes. This is called iron deficiency without anaemia. Stores run down first, and haemoglobin falls later. It can still cause symptoms such as tiredness and hair loss, and the cause should still be looked for.
Is low ferritin the same as anaemia?
No. Low ferritin means low iron stores. Anaemia means low haemoglobin. Low iron is the most common cause of anaemia, but you can have one without the other.
How long does it take to raise ferritin?
Haemoglobin often improves within a few weeks of treatment. Refilling iron stores usually takes a few months. Your doctor will plan a repeat test to see how you are responding.
Can I raise ferritin with food alone?
Iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, lentils, beans, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals help maintain stores. Vitamin C in the same meal helps absorption, and tea with meals reduces it. When stores are clearly low, food alone is often not enough and your doctor may suggest iron.
Sources
This page explains what results usually mean. It isn't a diagnosis or medical advice; your doctor interprets results with your symptoms, history and medicines. Medical disclaimer
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